Debra Lynn Kent
Las Vegas,NV
Summary
Accomplished Organizational Development professional known for high productivity and efficient task completion. Excel in communication, leadership, and adaptability. Specialize in entertainment, event planning, community engagement, and producing positive corporate cultures.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
LIfestyle Director
Firstservice Residential
Las Vegas, NV
06.2016 - Current
- Deliver exceptional leadership to promote program engagement in residential community of 3,300 residents working in conjunction with numerous Las Vegas organizations.
- Develop and maintain budget, strategic, operational, contract, and maintenance plans.
- Responsible for Community Center operations and manage 16 staff associates.
- Provide and achieve excellent customer and associate satisfaction.
Director of Organizational Development
Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority
Las Vegas, NV
01.2010 - 04.2014
- Responsibilities encompassed comprehensive development of employee engagement programs to maximize employee potential in a positive, productive, and healthy corporate culture.
- Conducted strategic goal setting planning sessions through partnerships with external and internal business groups to ensure high-level success programs.
- Designed a platform for learning and development while providing employees "tools for success" to promote the Las Vegas destination to over 20,000+ conventions in addition to the leisure travel market.
- Established company-wide branding initiative "Only Vegas Because of Us" campaign with Disney i.d.e.a.s partnership that included: departmental cross-training, recognition programs, blended learning curriculum, and company-wide newsletter.
Director of Human Resources
Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority
Las Vegas, NV
05.2005 - 01.2010
- Facilitated delivery of Human Resources services by establishing and maintaining positive relationships with teams and leadership across organization.
- Responsible for daily Human Resources departmental operations, supervision of 7 professional staff, and developed effective, consistent, and successful programs for 500 full-time and 450 part-time employees.
- Established LVCVA Authority Academy (corporate university structure) offering 60 course topics.
- Re-designed On-Boarding Experience, updated interview process.
- Developed and implemented hiring criteria and employment selection assessments to improve staffing quality.
- Worked closely with Senior Vice President of Human Resources to inform of upcoming commitments and responsibilities.
- Complied with local, state, and federal laws within the organization. Participated in contract negotiations with Labor Unions.
- Implemented departmental needs assessments and measurement strategies.
- Worked to devise and update policies as needed for corporate accountability and workplace health.
- Created succession plans and promotion paths for staff to boost passion for achieving goals and objectives of organization.
- Recipient of numerous awards: Best Place to Work - 1st Place (Southern Nevada Human Resources Association), Psychologically Healthy Work Environment - 1st Place (American Psychological Association), Learning and Development Programs - 1st Place (Southern Nevada Human Resources Association), Corporate Challenge - Variety of Awards.
Division Director of Training
Mandalay Resort Group (MRG)
Las Vegas, NV
05.2000 - 05.2005
- Directed training departments at 6 MRG properties located in Nevada, Michigan, Illinois, and Mississippi delivering comprehensive training programs to employee base of over 8,000.
- Guided and motivated 8 Learning and Development professionals to drive maximum performance remotely.
- Partnered with staff to create professional development plans to support personal and professional growth.
Assistant Director of MGM University
MGM Grand Hotel & Casino
Las Vegas, NV
06.1993 - 07.1999
- Instrumental in training employees for Grand Opening of property with University of Nevada, Las Vegas - UNLV Training Academy
- Championed "Cast Member" learning and development courses and programs through the University of OZ - MGM Grand University, for 8,500 employees.
- Cultivated and maintained relationships to promote positive work culture.
- Designed, planned, and executed employee company-wide events.
- Managed operations of Grand Adventures Theme Park.
- Supervised Monorail operations between MGM Grand Hotel & Casino and Bally's Hotel & Casino.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Education
Montana State University,
Bozeman, MTCertifications
Skills
- Leadership
- Innovative
- Communications
- Business Acumen
- Continuous Process Improvement
Timeline
LIfestyle Director
Firstservice Residential
06.2016 - Current
Director of Organizational Development
Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority
01.2010 - 04.2014
Director of Human Resources
Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority
05.2005 - 01.2010
Division Director of Training
Mandalay Resort Group (MRG)
05.2000 - 05.2005
Assistant Director of MGM University
MGM Grand Hotel & Casino
06.1993 - 07.1999
Bachelor of Science - Education
Montana State University,
Certifications
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